Hair styling tool

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods, among other things, for a hair styling tool that can assist in providing an enhanced volume effect to a subject&#39;s hair are discussed in this application. In an example, a styling tool can include a substrate, and textured styling material attached to the substrate. The textured styling material can be configured to interact with the subject&#39;s hair and can include plurality of surface features configured to capture a plurality of hair strands and to intermittently release one or more hair strands of the plurality of hair strands as the textured styling material is moved away from the subject&#39;s scalp.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to Knight, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/654,516, entitled, “HAIR STYLING TOOL”, filed Jun. 1, 2012, hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

OVERVIEW

This document discusses, among other things apparatus and methods for adding volume to a subject's hair. In certain examples, a styling tool for providing an enhanced volume effect to a subject's hair can include a substrate and a textured styling material. In some examples, the textured styling material can be attached to the substrate. In certain examples, the textured styling material can be configured to interact with the subject's hair and can include a plurality of surface features. In certain examples, the surface features can be configured to capture a plurality of hair strands when the textured styling material is pressed against the subject's scalp, and to intermittently release one or more hair strands of the plurality of hair strands as the textured styling material is moved away from the subject's scalp.

This overview is intended to provide a general overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an example styling tool for creating an enhanced volume effect of a subject's hair.

FIG. 2 illustrates generally some examples of surface features.

FIG. 3A and 3B illustrates generally example styling tools for creating an enhanced volume effect of a subject's hair.

FIG. 4 illustrates generally a styling tool for creating an enhanced volume effect of a subject's hair.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally the back of a glove of an example styling tool.

FIG. 6 illustrates generally a flowchart of an example method of styling hair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventor has recognized apparatus and methods for creating a volume enhancing effect to hair of a subject whether that subject's hair has been styled or not. In a example, a method for creating the volume enhancing effect can include pressing a textured surface of an example styling tool against the subjects hair and scalp to capture a plurality of strands of hair and then pulling the tool away from the subject's scalp allowing the texture to randomly release stands of hair to create the volume enhancing effect. In certain examples the tool can release the hair strands at random intervals of time and distance as the styling tool is moved away from the scalp. In certain situations, the method can create a halo effect with the hair such that the subject's hair appears less dense as the distance from the subject's scalp increases. In certain situations, the effect can create a sexy un-styled volume effect that can be desirable for promotional photo shoots and filming. In certain examples, a method using an example styling tool can add visual and physical texture to a hair style.

In this document, the term “hair” can refer to natural hair, transplanted hair and artificial hair. In certain examples, the apparatus and methods described herein can be used to style a subject's natural hair, hair or hair fibers of a wig, hair or hair fibers of a doll, as well as hair of a pet. In this document the term “scalp” can refer to a subject's skin such as the skin on the head that supports hair follicles or the substrate used for wigs or doll hair.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an example styling tool 100 for creating an enhanced volume effect for a subject's hair. The styling tool 100 can include a body material 101 and a styling material 102. The body material 101 can be formed to allow a user, such as a stylist, to easily pick up the styling tool 100 and manipulate the styling tool 100 while styling a subject's hair. The body material 101 can include, but is not limited to wood, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. In certain examples, the styling tool 100 can include a substrate material 103 positioned between the styling material 102 and the body material 101. In an example, the substrate material 103 can provide compatible surfaces to attach the styling material 102 with the body material 101. In an example, the substrate material 103 can deform to allow the styling material 102 to conform to a subject's scalp during execution of a styling method. In certain examples, the substrate material 103 can include, but is not limited to rubber, foam, plastic, an elastomeric, cloth, or combinations thereof.

In certain examples, the styling material 102 includes a textured surface that faces away from the styling tool body material 101. In certain examples, the textured surface of the styling material 102 can include surface features that can interact or capture one or more strands of hair and then gently release the one or more strands of hair as the styling material is directed away from the roots of the strands of hair. The release of the hair from the surface features can create the volume enhancing effect as the strands are randomly and or intermittently released but released in such a fashion that the movement of the styling tool 100 away from the scalp leaves the strands more separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the scalp.

In certain examples, the surface features can include, but are not limited to, nubs, bumps, hooks, T's, domes, elevated domes, or combinations thereof. FIG. 2 illustrates generally some examples of surface features of the styling material including, but are not limited to, nubs 211, bumps 212, hooks 213, T's 214, domes 215, elevated domes 216. In certain examples, the height of the surface features from the substrate can be about 0.25 inches or less so that the surface features capture only a few strands of a subject's hair so as to create the desired sexy un-styled volume effect.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates generally example styling tools 300, 310 for creating an enhanced volume effect for a subject's hair. Referring to FIG. 3A, the styling tool 300 can include a substrate 303, styling material 302, and a strap 305 that can allow the styling tool 300 to be manipulated with a user's hand. In certain examples the substrate 303 can include a semi-rigid material. The semi-rigid material of the substrate 303 can allow the styling material 302 to maintain a substantially planar or open configuration in a relaxed state while also allowing the styling material 302 to close and conform to subject's scalp when pressed against the scalp. In certain examples, the semi rigid material can include, but is not limited to, metal, such as spring steel, plastic, such as Mylar, or combinations thereof.

In certain examples, the styling tool 300 can include a second substrate material 306 positioned between the styling material and the semi-rigid material. In an example, the second substrate material 306 can provide compatible surfaces to attach the styling material 302 with the body material. In an example, the second substrate material 306 can deform to allow the styling material 302 to conform more fully to a subject's scalp during execution of a styling method. In certain examples, the second substrate material 306 can include, but is not limited to rubber, foam, plastic, an elastomeric, cloth, or combinations thereof.

In certain examples, the strap 305 can provide the user with a time-efficient means for engagement of, and disengagement from, the styling tool 300. For example, a user can easily and quickly inserts a hand into the styling tool strap 305 while using the other hand for some other task. After using the styling tool 300, the user can easily and efficiently slip the hand out of the strap 305 while using the the other hand for some other task. Once a user's hand is engaged with the styling tool 300, the user can flex their hand to apply pressure against the strap 305 to keep the styling tool 300 on the hand.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the example styling tool 310 can include a substrate 303, styling material 302, and one or more grip structures 307 that can allow the styling tool 310 to be manipulated with a user's hand. In certain examples the substrate 303 can include a semi-rigid material. The semi-rigid material of the substrate 303 can allow the styling material 302 to maintain a substantially planar or open configuration in a relaxed state while also allowing the styling material 302 to close and conform to subject's scalp when pressed against the scalp. In certain examples, the semi rigid material can include, but is not limited to, metal, such as spring steel, plastic, such as Mylar, or combinations thereof.

In certain examples, the styling tool 310 can include a second substrate material 306 positioned between the styling material and the semi-rigid material. In an example, the second substrate material 306 can provide compatible surfaces to attach the styling material 302 with the body material. In an example, the second substrate material 306 can deform to allow the styling material 302 to conform more fully to a subject's scalp during execution of a styling method. In certain examples, the second substrate material 306 can include, but is not limited to rubber, foam, plastic, an elastomeric, cloth, or combinations thereof.

In certain examples, the one or more grip structure 307 can provide the user with a time efficient means for engagement of and disengagement from the styling tool 310. In certain examples, the one or more grip structures 307 can be positioned to fit between fingers of the user. For example, a user can easily and quickly grip the styling tool 310 by clenching the one or more grip structures 307 between fingers of one of the user's hand. After using the styling tool 310, the user can easily and efficiently release the styling tool 310 by separating the fingers to allow the one or more grip structures 307 to clear the space between the fingers.

In certain examples, with reference to the styling tools 300, 310 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the styling material 302 can include a textured surface exposed away from the substrate 303. In certain examples, the textured surface of the styling material 302 can include surface features that can capture one or more strands of hair and then gently release the one or more strands of hair as the styling material 302 is directed away from the roots of the strands of hair. The release of the hair from the surface features can create the volume enhancing effect as the strands are randomly released but released in such a fashion that the movement of the tool leaves the strands more separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the scalp. In certain examples, the surface features can include, but are not limited to, nubs, bumps, hooks, T's, domes, elevated domes, or combinations thereof as illustrated in FIG. 2. In certain examples, a perimeter of at least a substrate material 306 of the styling tool 300, 310 can include a hand shaped profile. In certain examples, the hand shaped profile can include one or more individual finger profiles. In some examples, the hand-shaped profile can include mare complete thumb profile.

FIG. 4 illustrates generally a styling tool 400 for creating an enhanced volume effect for a subject's hair. The styling tool 400 can include a glove 408 for fitting over a user's hand or a portion of a user's hand. In certain examples, the glove 408 of styling tool 400 can include material for covering a palm area, fingers, thumb and back of a hand. In some examples, glove 408 of styling tool 400 can include material for covering the palm area, at least portions of one or more fingers, and, optionally, at least a portion of the thumb. In some examples, glove 408 of styling tool 400 can include material for covering the palm area, and at least a portion of one or more fingers.

In certain examples, the styling tool 400 can include styling material 402 on one or more portions of the glove 408. In an example, styling material 402 can cover at least a portion of the palm area of the glove 408. In some examples, styling material 402 can cover at least a portion of one or more fingers of the glove 408. In an example, styling material 402 can cover at least a portion of the thumb of the glove 408. In certain examples, styling material 402 can cover a combination of at least a portion of the palm of the glove 408, at least a portion of one or more fingers of the glove 408 or at least a portion of the thumb of the glove 408. In certain examples, the styling material 402 on the glove 408 can be arranged such that when a user presses the glove against the hair of a subject, each portion of the styling material 402 has an opportunity to capture strands of hair.

In certain examples, the glove 408 of the styling tool 400 can include heat protection material that allows contact with a heated styling tool for several seconds without burning the skin of a user wearing the styling tool 400. In general, a person can withstand a skin temperature of about 125 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.) without feeling a burning sensation. In certain examples, the heat protection material has a thickness of less than 0.25 inches (in.). In certain examples, the heat protection material has a thickness of less than 0.125 in. In certain examples, the heat protection material has a thickness of less than 0.0625 in. In certain examples, the heat protective material can allow more than 3 seconds of contact with a heated portion of a heated styling tool, where the heated portion of the heated styling tool is at a temperature of between about 300 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.) and about 450° F., without burning skin of the user. In some examples, the heat protective material can allow more than 2 seconds of contact with a heated portion of a heated styling tool, where the heated portion of the heated styling tool is at a temperature of between about 300 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.) and about 450° F., without burning skin of the user. In some examples, the heat protective material can allow more than 1 second of contact with a heated portion of a heated styling tool, where the heated portion of the heated styling tool is at a temperature of between about 300 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.) and about 450° F., without burning skin of the user. In some examples, a portion of the glove 408 used to grasp a heated styling tool can include heat protective material and non heat protective material can be used for other portions of the glove 408. For example, the glove 408 of an example styling tool 400 can include heat protective material for the palm area and portions of the finger and thump area. In certain examples, the glove material, including but not limited to the heat protection material, is elastic and can expand and contract in multiple directions. In certain examples, the heat protective material can be coupled to the substrate. In certain examples the substrate can include a heat protective material.

In some examples, the styling tool 400 can include an ambidextrous glove. In some examples, the ambidextrous glove can include a first side having heat protective material for grasping or manipulating heated hair or heated styling tools, and a second side including textured material for providing a volume enhancing style to a subject's hair. The ambidextrous nature of the glove can allow the glove to be worn on either hand of a user to provide either the heat protective function or the styling function.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally the back of a glove 508 of an example styling tool 500. In certain examples, the glove 508 of the styling tool 500 can include a magnet 509 integrated with the back of the glove 508. In certain examples, the magnet 509 can be attached or sewn into the back of the glove 508. The magnet 509 can be used to attach accessory styling tools for easy access by the stylist. Such accessory tools can include, but are not limited to, metal bobby pins and clips. In certain examples, the glove 508 of the styling tool 500 can include an accessory strap 519 attached or sewn to the back of the glove 508. The accessory strap 519 can be used to hold accessory styling tools for convenient access by the stylist. Such accessory tools can include, but are not limited to, pins, clips, combs, etc. In certain examples, the accessory strap 519 can be elastic and one or more accessory tools can be inserted between the accessory strap 519 and the glove 508 such that the elastic band holds the accessory tool securely until needed. In certain examples, a glove 508 of a styling tool 500 can include both a magnet 509 and an accessory strap 519.

FIG. 6 illustrates generally a flowchart of an example method 600 of styling hair. At 601, a styling tool can be pressed against a subject's hair. The styling tool can be configured to have a styling material as discussed above contact the hair. At 602, a plurality of hair strands can be captured in surface features of the styling material. In some examples, when the styling tool is pressed against the subject's hair, the styling tool can be oscillated in a linear or rotational movement to capture the strands of hair. At 603, the styling tool can be retracted in a direction substantially opposite a direct used to press the styling tool to he hair. In certain examples, the styling tool can be pressed against the subject's hair and scalp, and then retracted away from the scalp. At 604, as the styling tool is retracted, the plurality of hair strands are released from the surface features of the styling material. The strands of hair can be released at random times from the start of the retracting and at random distances from the scalp. The styling effect is to provide volume to the section of hair where the styling tool was pressed onto. In certain examples, the enhanced volume effect can be accomplished with an example styling tool in a matter of seconds. Such a quick and accurate styling technique can be of significant value in time, resources and cost savings on the set of photo shoots, filming shoots, and fashion events.

Additional Notes

In Example 1, a styling tool for providing an enhanced volume effect to a subject's hair can include a substrate. and textured styling material attached to the substrate and configured to interact with the subject's hair, the textured styling material including plurality of surface features, each surface feature of the plurality of surface features configured to capture a plurality of hair strands when the textured styling material is pressed against the subject's scalp, and to intermittently release one or more hair strands of the plurality of hair strands as the textured styling material is moved away from the subject's scalp.

In Example 2, a perimeter of the substrate of Example 1 optionally forms a hand shape and at least a portion of the textured styling material is attached to a palm area of hand shape.

In Example 3, at least a portion of the textured styling material of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally is attached to a finger area of hand shape.

In Example 4, at least a portion of the textured styling material of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally is attached to a thumb area of hand shape.

In Example 5, the styling tool of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally includes a heat protective material coupled to the substrate, the heat protective material having first and second major surfaces, the heat protective material configured to allow the first major surface to contact a heated surface for at least 5 seconds without raising the temperature of the second major surface above 125 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.), wherein the heated surface includes a temperature of about 350° F. to about 450° F.

In Example 6, the substrate of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally forms at least a portion of a glove, the glove including at least a palm area.

In Example 7, at least a portion of the textured styling material of one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally is attached to a finger area of the glove.

In Example 8, at least a portion of the textured styling material of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally is attached to a thumb area of the glove.

In Example 9, the styling tool of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally includes a magnet integrated with a back portion of the glove opposite the palm area.

In Example 10, the styling tool of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally includes a tool strap attached to the glove.

In Example 11, the plurality of surface features of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally include a plurality of nubs.

In Example 12, the plurality of surface features of any one or more of Examples 1-11 optionally include a plurality of bumps.

In Example 13, the plurality of surface features of any one or more of Examples 1-12 optionally include a plurality of hooks.

In Example 14, the plurality of surface features of any one or more of Examples 1-13 optionally include a plurality of T-shaped features.

In Example 15, the plurality of surface features of any one or more of Examples 1-14 optionally include a plurality of elevated domes.

In Example 16, each surface feature of the plurality of surface features of any one or more of Examples 1-15 optionally has a height of 0.25 inches or less as measured from a major surface of the substrate from which the surface features extend.

In Example 17, a method for adding an enhanced volume effect to a subject's hair can include pressing a styling tool against the subject's hair and scalp, capturing a plurality of hair strands in a textured surface of the styling tool, wherein the textured surface, retracting the styling tool in a direction opposite a direction of the pressing, and releasing the plurality of hair strands at random intervals of time and distance from the textured surface as the styling tool is retracted from the subject's scalp.

In Example 18, the method of any one or more of Examples 1-17 optionally includes attaching the styling tool to a user's hand using a glove portion of the styling tool.

In Example 19, the capturing of any one or more of Examples 1-18 optionally includes capturing the plurality of hair stands in a plurality of hooks of the textured surface, and the releasing of any one or more of Examples 1-18 optionally includes releasing the plurality of hair strands from the plurality of hooks at random intervals of time and distance from the textured surface as the styling tool is retracted from the subject's scalp.

In Example 20, the capturing of any one or more of Examples 1-19 optionally includes capturing the plurality of hair stands in a plurality of elevated domes of the textured surface, and the releasing of any one or more of Examples 1-19 optionally includes releasing the plurality of hair strands from the plurality of elevated domes at random intervals of time and distance from the textured surface as the styling tool is retracted from the subject's scalp.

In Example 21, the capturing of any one or more of Examples 1-20 optionally includes capturing the plurality of hair stands in a plurality of T-shaped features of the textured surface, and the releasing of any one or more of Examples 1-20 optionally includes releasing the plurality of hair strands from the plurality of T-shaped features at random intervals of time and distance from the textured surface as the styling tool is retracted from the subject's scalp.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. In other examples, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A styling tool for providing an enhanced volume effect to a subject's hair, the styling tool including: a substrate; and textured styling material attached to the substrate and configured to interact with the subject's hair, the textured styling material including plurality of surface features, each surface feature of the plurality of surface features configured to capture a plurality of hair strands when the textured styling material is pressed against the subject's scalp, and to intermittently release one or more hair strands of the plurality of hair strands as the textured styling material is moved away from the subject's scalp.
 2. The styling tool of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of the substrate forms a hand shape and at least a portion of the textured styling material is attached to a palm area of hand shape.
 3. The styling tool of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the textured styling material is attached to a finger area of hand shape.
 4. The styling tool of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the textured styling material is attached to a thumb area of hand shape.
 5. The styling tool of claim 2, including a heat protective material coupled to the substrate, the heat protective material having first and second major surfaces, the heat protective material configured to allow the first major surface to contact a heated surface for at least 5 seconds without raising the temperature of the second major surface above 125 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.), wherein the heated surface includes a temperature of about 350° F. to about 450 ° F.
 6. The styling tool of claim 1, wherein the substrate forms at least a portion of a glove, the glove including at least a palm area.
 7. The styling tool of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the textured styling material is attached to a finger area of the glove.
 8. The styling tool of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the textured styling material is attached to a thumb area of the glove.
 9. The styling tool of claim 6, including a magnet integrated with a back portion of the glove opposite the palm area.
 10. The styling tool of claim 6, including a tool strap attached to the glove.
 11. The styling tool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of surface features include a plurality of nubs.
 12. The styling tool of claim 1, wherein plurality of surface features include a plurality of bumps.
 13. The styling tool of claim 1, wherein plurality of surface features include a plurality of hooks.
 14. The styling tool of claim 1, wherein plurality of surface features include a plurality of T-shaped features.
 15. The styling tool of claim 1, wherein plurality of surface features include a plurality of elevated domes.
 16. The styling tool of claim 1, wherein each surface feature of the plurality of surface features has a height of 0.25 inches or less as measured from a major surface of the substrate from which the surface features extend.
 17. A method for adding an enhanced volume effect to a subject's hair, the method comprising: pressing a styling tool against the subject's hair and scalp; capturing a plurality of hair strands in a textured surface of the styling tool, wherein the textured surface; retracting the styling tool in a direction opposite a direction of the pressing; and releasing the plurality of hair strands at random intervals of time and distance from the textured surface as the styling tool is retracted from the subject's scalp.
 18. The method of claim 17, including attaching the styling tool to a user's hand using a glove portion of the styling tool.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the capturing includes capturing the plurality of hair stands in a plurality of hooks of the textured surface; and wherein the releasing includes releasing the plurality of hair strands from the plurality of hooks at random intervals of time and distance from the textured surface as the styling tool is retracted from the subject's scalp.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the capturing includes capturing the plurality of hair stands in a plurality of elevated domes of the textured surface; and wherein the releasing includes releasing the plurality of hair strands from the plurality of elevated domes at random intervals of time and distance from the textured surface as the styling tool is retracted from the subject's scalp.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the capturing includes capturing the plurality of hair stands in a plurality of T-shaped features of the textured surface; and wherein the releasing includes releasing the plurality of hair strands from the plurality of T-shaped features at random intervals of time and distance from the textured surface as the styling tool is retracted from the subject's scalp. 